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GOODNESS
Bay Leaf: That green headband around Ceasar's head was bay, and it has a long and glorious culinary history in Mediterranean countries.
Bay can be bitter when fresh, so let it dry for a few days if you pluck it green from the tree. After drying, it keeps nicely in an airtight jar. It gives up its flavor slowly, which is why you add it to the beginning of slow-cooked soups and stews. It has a slightly musty aroma with shades of nutmeg that can overpower a dish, so only use half a leaf for each serving. Don't forget to pull them out before serving!
Cinnamon: Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tropical evergreen, just like its cousin cassia. It has an ancient pedigree, even being used to embalm a few pharaohs. That may not sound appetizing, but it has been found to be good for the heart, the stomach and the joints. Not impressed yet? Well consider that it also seems to mimic insulin and therefore helps diabetics moderate their sugar levels. So don't be shy with this tasty and healthy spice.
Cloves: The dried buds of a tropical evergreen, cloves are a wonderful blast of fragrance and flavor. They were the first known breath fresheners, but have a long, rich history in the spice trades. These sweet but pungent buds can overwhelm a recipe, so beware!
Coriander: Coriander is used in both sweet and savory cooking, adding a mix of lemon and sage-like flavors to any dish. In addition to its culinary flair, coriander has been considered to be an aphrodisiac by the ancients. Whether or not you will find love, coriander seeds add a sweet, fruity note a recipe and are thought to be good for both your mental powers and your digestion.
Garlic: Garlic is in the same family as onions and leeks, and purportedly provided ancient Roman soldiers the courage to battle the barbarians. Whether or not it gives you courage, it is known to lower blood pressure, which is great for your heart and helps prevent stroke. In addition, it has a long history as a digestive aid, so don't be shy with this wonderful herb, no matter what it does to your breath!
Ginger: This spicy root is known as the universal remedy. Although it's well-known as a stomach soother, it also improves circulation, fights tumors, reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system. Oh, and it's good for pain and a fever. The only possible drawbacks are for people with gallstones or those on blood thinners.
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Recipe

Braised Lamb with Spinach

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 67

ingredients

  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 1 1.5-inch cube of peeled fresh ginger
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1.5 inch pieces
  • 1 3-inch cinnamon stick
  • 7 whole cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 onions, chopped fine
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 cup chopped drained canned tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 pounds fresh spinach, coarse stems discarded and the leaves washed well and drained
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted lightly

directions

In a blender puree the garlic and the ginger with 1/3 cup water. In a heavy kettle heat 3 tablespoons of the oil over moderately high heat until it is hot but not smoking and in it brown the lamb, patted dry, in batches, transferring it as it is browned with tongs to a bowl. To the skillet add the remaining 3 tablespoons oil, heat it until it is hot but not smoking, and in it fry the cinnamon stick, the cloves, and the bay leaf, stirring, for 30 seconds, or until the cloves are puffed slightly. Add the onions and cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden. Add the garlic puree and cook the mixture, stirring for 2 minutes, or until the liquid is evaporated. Add the cumin, the coriander, and the cayenne and cook the mixture, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and the yogurt, simmer the mixture, stirring, for 1 minute, and add the lamb, the salt, and 1 cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil and braise it, covered, in a preheated 350 degrees oven for 1 hours, or until the lamb is tender. The lamb mixture may be prepared up to this point 2 days in advance. Let the lamb cool, uncovered, and chill it, covered. Reheat the lamb mixture.

In a large saucepan bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Add the spinach and steam it, covered, for 2 minutes, or until it is wilted. Drain the spinach in a colander.

Spoon off any excess fat from the lamb mixture and add the lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Distribute the spinach over the stew and stir it in gently. Transfer the stew to a heated serving dish and sprinkle it with the pine nuts.